Zarqawi was alive when Iraqis found him

Zarqawi was apparently still breathing when the Iraqi police got to the scene of his 'safe house' yesterday. He had been placed on a stretcher when the American soldiers arrived. Seeing the US military headed his way, Zarqawi tried to roll off the stretcher to escape. As we have been reporting and as pictures and finger prints confirm, that didn't last long. (Fox News Channel Exclusive)

Zarqawi was apparently NOT shot, he was breathing, mumbled something unintelligible, tried to roll off the stretcher, and died.

"He was conscious initially according to the U.S. forces that physically saw him. He obviously had some kind of visual recognition of who they were because he attempted to roll off the stretcher, as I am told, and get away, realizing it was U.S. military," Caldwell said. source

Reports from Baghdad suggest Iraqi PM Nuri Al-Maliki tried to convince the Americans to capture Abu Musaab Al-Zarqawi alive, but failed as the Pentagon and the US Central Intelligence Agency agreed to kill him.

As many as 40 additional raids were carried out last night, in addition to the 17 raids carried out yesterday as a result of the 'treasure trove' of information obtained as a result of Zarqawi's death. Computer CDs were among the information obtained.

Obtained in the newest raids were suicide vests, ammunition vests, a variety of guns and rifles, night-vision devices, Iraqi military uniforms, and much more.

Maj. Gen. Caldwell (at the Multi-National Forces Breifing on the War in Iraq) reports that they do not know why it is that Zarqawi actually survived two 500 pounds bombs, that perhaps he was outside the safe house and thrown clear by the power of the bombs. It was suggested that a portion of the house was reinforced specifically as a safe zone for someone to hide in. (Fox News Channel)

The photos of the bomb site do reveal a massive amount of iron reinforcing bars that were built into the concrete building.

A new tape is out today from Zawahiri, but does not mention the death of Zarqawi. These tapes are usually made weeks ahead of being delivered to the terrorist's assistant, al Jeezera.

"Palestine is not for bargaining or bidding." He adds: "Palestine was a land of Islam, and its liberation is the duty of every Muslim." He called on Muslims everywhere to support the Palestinian people.

The video also made references to political tensions in his homeland, Egypt, and to Sudan's strife-torn region of Darfur.

It also praised the leader of al-Qaeda in Iraq, Abu Musab al-Zarqawi,... source

A methodical six-week manhunt aided by local tipsters, spy drones, and informers from his own terrorist network finally led to the demise of Abu Musab al-Zarqawi , the leader of Al Qaeda in Iraq, in US airstrikes Wednesday night, US officials said.

Fugitive Afghan Taliban leader Mullah Mohammad Omar vowed that the killing of Zarqawi would not weaken Muslim efforts against "crusader forces", a Pakistani report said. ...

Interior Minister Jawad al-Bolani told Iraqiya state television: "Killing Zarqawi is a new beginning for Iraqi security and establishing peace between the different components of society." source

Don Surber reports that the "Gazette Wants to' Understand' Zarqawi", but Don Surber explaines the situation perfectly, "America is not the terrorist’s psychiatrist; it is his executioner."

GM's Corner has the "Satan and Zarqawi: An Initial Interview!" complete with pictures. It's great! Hat tip to WuzzaDem.

Hot Air asks, "Was Zarqawi alive?" The answer is YES, but not for long.

The Jawa Report, "MSM Mourns Loss of Ally in War on Bush"

Living in the Past celebrated with a Zarqawi cake, yum yum. Now that's the way to 'stick a fork' in him. They have pictures ...

Mike's America thanks the troops with a flash presentation.

Murdoc Online has reports on the 'left', other bloggers response, and CNN

My Vast Right Wing Conspiracy has the "Priceless Quote of the Day"

From Sandmonkey, commenting on the idiotarian reaction to Zarqawi’s death:

American readers, did you know that the word “Kos” in arabic means literally “Pussy”? Quite fitting, don’t you think?

I love it! It’s perfect!

Watersblogged and iHillary (who has wonderful graphics) report "with Democrats the 'D' stands for Defeat"

Oblagatory Anecdotes, "Zarqawi gets 72 virgins, all named Bubba"

Say NO to P.C.B.S., "Why I loathe the left: Part, Whatever" (good reading)

Shlemazl, "Bad News for Terrorists, Ahmad Fadil Nazzal Al-Khalayleh (for that was his real name)"

Morning Coffee, "Pretty Damn Good day in the Fight against the Jihadists."

The Lone Voice has all the good news from Iraq.

Also blogging:

Assorted Babble
ForeLeft
Jay Reding

Comments

[Debbie]

Thanks Pete, that's always good to know. I will keep you in mind.

But as long as I have the "poor white trash" version of TypePad, I can't think about any personal graphics. But I can always dream...

[pete]

Thanks for the kind words, Debbie.

Your trackback brought me, and it's a very impressive blog you have here!

If ever you could use a favor or two in the graphics department, please let me know. I enjoy contributing to blogs I admire.

[Debbie]

Yep, the last thing Zarqawi saw before he met the devil was the United States Military. What better ending could there have been? hah

[Mike's America]

Isn't this just the icing on the cake?

This monster was conscious as US troops arrived and had an official RED WHITE AND BLUE sendoff to HELL!

Excellent news... and another great roundup here R.T.